"NACO"
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LOUVRE WINDOWS
The Lai Chack School in Kowloon, showing extensive use of louvred windows.
ever
the on
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ideal for passages, corridors and verandahs and, more particularly, for schools where there is danger of head injury to children from pro- truding casements.
Economy: despite the use of thick- er glass (3/16" to 1/4") as an add- ed safety measure, the Lost per square foot is equal to, if not less than, the cheapest standard win.
dows.
3. Strength: "NACO" are manufac- tured of cold-rolled sections of 16 gu. mild steel, electro-galvanised and spray painted, with bronze bearings throughout, resulting in easy action free from rust at all times.
than
Among the larger installations in Hong Kong are Government's modern Electrical & Mechanical Workshops at Caroline Hill, and the recently completed Lai Chack School in Kowloon. In this latter building, the architect, Mr. S. K. Loong, has incorporated larger louvre Progressive architects are
In the United States, "NACO" Louvre areas
previously specified. any lookout for new materials of maximum Windows are marketed under the trade The result is not only outstanding from functional utility which yet provide a name of SUNSASH". To date there the point of view of architectural design, fresh approach to design. Although the usefulness and adaptability of adjustable louvre windows have long been recogniz- ed, its original design had its defects, and, consequence, louvre windows were included for fenestration except seldom under most favourable weather conditions.
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First advance towards solving this pro- blem was made in Australia several years ago, and improvements in design and manufacturing processes have since pro- gressed to such an extent that exports to all parts of the world are increasing an- nually.
Of several types, finest and best known is probably the "NACO" Louvre manu- factured by Messrs. N. V Appleton Pty., Ltd.. Brisbane. Two years ago these
were introduced into Hong Kong through Messrs. John D. Hutchison & Co., Ltd., and it is significant that in this short period they have been incorporated in so many new buildings throughout the Colony.
It was first feared that this type of window could not withstand typhoon con- ditions. While they have not yet been put to a full
test in Hong Kong, all "NACO" installations in the Colony have proven eminently satisfactory under the storm conditions of near typhoon strength strength experienced on several occasions. In other parts of the world, however, the claims of reliability have been fully au- thenticated. A few months ago, hur- ricane "Janet" tore its way through the West Indies and, in particular, did ex- tensive damage in Trinidad, yet, of the
are over five million installations in this country alone. When first introduced, these windows were not acceptable for the hurricane belt. Improvements incorporat- head and cill ing a weatherbar and weatherstrip for saw them through most rigorous tests, and resulted in their be- ing certified as suitable for all weather conditions in the Hurricane Area. A hurricane is, of course, a typhoon under a different name.
Louvres are especially suited to the tropics where maximum ventilation is so vital. "NACO" are adjustable through 105 degrees which, when fully opened, provide a cooling down drought. advantages they possess are:
Other
I. Space saving: there are no projec-
tions, which feature makes
them
numerous "NACO" installations in this TWO USES FOR LOUVRED WINDOWS
area, not one single complaint or report School corridor
of damage was received.
no obstruction.
perfect ventilation with
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light is but maximum ventilation and provided exactly where it is required in the classrooms.
Mr. Eric Cumine was one of the first to specify "NACO" louvres when they were first introduced to Hong Kong two years ago, and today few of his many buildings are without them.
While it is true that louvre windows cannot entirely replace standard windows, there is ample scope in all parts of any building to utilise them to advantage by architects who are seeking new effects of design and decoration, whilst providing maximum circulation of air and diffusion. of light throughout,
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The E. & M. Workshops, Caroline Hill light and ventilation under difficult con- ditions.